Veterinary Surgery Internship - VRH Dandenong

Veterinary Referral Hospital; Greater Dandenong; On-site; AUD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterinary Referral Hospital – Dandenong VIC is offering a 12-month, full-time surgical internship starting February 2027. Interns will work four days a week with no weekends or on-call, gaining hands-on experience in soft tissue, orthopaedic, neurologic, and oncologic surgery, while collaborating with a dedicated team in a state-of-the-art facility.

You will engage in diagnostic imaging, anesthesia support, and perioperative care, plus journal club and weekly intern presentations to support

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualified Veterinarian in Australia or eligible for registration with the Victoria Veterinary Practitioners Board
• Prior clinical experience or rotating internship preferred but new graduates will be considered
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Commitment to delivering the highest standard of patient care

Responsibilities

• Assist our surgeons with consultations, diagnostic procedures, and a wide range of surgical cases, including soft tissue, orthopaedic, neurologic, and oncologic procedures
• Work alongside our surgery nurses to assist with anaesthesia, perioperative care, and patient recovery
• Manage patient care and case follow-ups in collaboration with senior clinicians
• Participate in diagnostic imaging, including radiography, CT, and MRI
• Engage in academic activities such as journal club, weekly intern presentations, physiology tutorials, and mentoring

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Organisational skills

Mentorship

Education

DVM or BVSc or equivalent

Job description

Veterinary Surgery Internship - VRH Dandenong

Veterinary Referral Hospital – Dandenong VIC

The Veterinary Referral Hospital is looking for a new surgical intern. The position would suit someone looking to increase their exposure to specialist surgery or perhaps pursue specialisation. Our surgery department consists of a specialist surgeon and a registrar, both of whom are committed to providing advanced surgical care and dedicated mentorship to the next generation of veterinary surgeons.

VRH is a multi-disciplinary referral hospital and 24/7 Emergency Centre in Melbourne’s South-East. We pride ourselves on being a patient-focused practice, delivering treatment that puts patient care first. We believe the best outcomes come from a collaborative team approach across specialties.

Our hospital is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility. Equipment includes fluoroscopy, 16-slice CT, a 1.5T MRI, digital radiography, and a full suite of surgical instruments, including advanced orthopaedic and soft tissue equipment. A particular focus is minimally invasive surgery. Our surgery team works closely with medicine, neurology, oncology, anaesthesia, and diagnostic imaging specialists, supported by a 24-hour ICU staffed with critical care specialists.

The Opportunity

This is a full-time, 12-month internship within the Surgery Department (Monday to Friday) starting in February 2027. You would be working a 4-day week with no weekends or on call. As an intern, you will:

• Assist our surgeons with consultations, diagnostic procedures, and a wide range of surgical cases, including soft tissue, orthopaedic, neurologic, and oncologic procedures.


• Work alongside our dedicated surgery nurses to assist with anaesthesia, perioperative care, and patient recovery.


• Manage patient care and case follow-ups in collaboration with senior clinicians.


• Participate in diagnostic imaging, including radiography, CT, and MRI.


• Engage in academic activities such as journal club, weekly intern presentations, physiology tutorials, and one-on-one mentoring.

This role provides a fast-paced yet supportive environment where you will see a varied caseload and gain invaluable exposure to specialist-level surgical practice.

About You

• Tertiary qualified Veterinarian (DVM, BVSc, or equivalent)


• Eligible for registration with the Veterinary Practitioners Board of Victoria


• Ideally some prior clinical experience or a rotating internship, but motivated new graduates will also be considered


• Strong teamwork, communication, and organisational skills


• Commitment to professional growth and delivering the highest standard of patient care

Why Should You Join the VRH Team?

• Close mentorship from experienced specialist surgeons with a strong emphasis on skills development and career progression


• Access to a support network of like-minded professionals and a dynamic and supportive team environment that values your learning as well as your wellbeing


• Structured opportunities to prepare for Membership examinations or future residency applications


• Continuing education allowance, access to VIN and veterinary journals, and AVA membership


• Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing support


• Exposure to a diverse and challenging caseload in a modern, purpose-built hospital